COMPOSITIONS FOR LIGHTENING SKIN COLOR

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to a skin lightening additive as well as compositions comprising the same. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition comprising a skin lightening additive which is 12-hydroxystearic acid and/or a salt thereof. The skin lightening additive, when used, results in a cosmetic composition that can provide moisturizing benefits. Moreover, it has been unexpectedly discovered that such aliphatic acid has skin lightening benefits when topically applied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many consumers are concerned with the characteristics of their skin. For example, consumers are concerned with the degree of pigmentation of their skin, freckles and/or age spots. Other consumers wish to reduce skin darkening caused by exposure to sunlight. To meet the needs of consumers, many attempts have been made to develop products that improve skin characteristics. The products developed thus far, however, often tend to have low efficacy, undesirable side effects or both. Furthermore, such products can be expensive and are often not an alternative for lower income consumers.

[0003] There is an increasing interest to develop a cosmetic composition that comprises new skin lightening additives. This invention, therefore, is directed to cosmetic compositions that comprise new skin lightening additives. The cosmetic compositions of the present invention comprise, as a lightening additive, 12-hydroxystearic acid. The cosmetic compositions of this invention result in a decrease in melanin content which is at least about 8% lower (preferably, at least about 11% lower) when comparing MelanoDerm™ cultures treated with the same to MelanoDerm cultures that have not been subjected to a composition with the newly discovered skin lightening additives of this invention.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

[0004] Efforts have been disclosed for making skin care cosmetic compositions. In U.S. Patent No. 6,875,425, skin lightening agents with 4-substituted resorcinol derivative compounds are described.

[0005] Other efforts have been disclosed for making skin treatment compositions. In U.S. Patent Nos. 7,250,158 and 7,247,294, methods for treating with skin lightening agents are described.

[0006] Still other efforts have been disclosed for treating skin. In U.S. Patent No. 5,998,423, compositions with polycyclic nitrogen heterocycles are described. EP-A-0423929 relates to skin lightening compositions comprising lactic acid or its derivatives as lightening agent. The compositions can further comprise unsaturated fatty acids.

[0007] None of the additional information above describes skin lightening compositions that comprise, as a lightening additive, 12-Hydroxystearic acid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition according to claim 1 for skin lightening, the cosmetic composition comprising a lightening additive which is 12-hydroxystearic acid and/or a salt thereof.

[0009] In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for lightening skin with the cosmetic composition of this invention.

[0010] All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow.

[0011] As used herein, a decrease in melanin content means a melanin content decrease when comparing two (2), three week old MatTek MelanoDerm cultures that have not been treated with a composition comprising the skin lightening additive of this invention to two (2), three week old MatTek MelanoDerm cultures that have been treated with a composition comprising the skin lightening additive of this invention wherein treated means:

(a) placing the MelanoDerm culture within a six (6) well tissue culture dish and set about 0.3 cm off of the tissue culture dish;

(b) subjecting the MelanoDerm culture to 0.1 and 5 micromolar compositions having the skin lightening additive of this invention, the composition being one prepared from a 10 millimolar solution of skin lightening additive and carrier (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide) having been diluted with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Media; and

(c) comparing the treated and untreated cultures by obtaining average melanin content (expressed in micrograms) by extracting melanin from MelanoDerm and obtaining absorbance readings at 490 nm (OD490) using a commercially available spectrophotometer like a Hach Spectrophotometer.

[0012] Cosmetic composition, as used herein, is meant to include a composition for topical application to skin of mammals, especially humans. Such a composition may be generally classified as leave-on or rinse off, and is meant to include conditioners or tonics, lipsticks, color cosmetics, and general topical compositions that in some fashion and at the very least, reduce the effect of melanin on keratinocytes. Lightening and whitening as used herein are meant to mean the same and they include the lightening of skin directly as well as the lightening of spots on the skin, like age spots and freckles. Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Media means the nutrient solution sold by MatTek Corporation and treated and used according to instructions supplied with the product commercially identified as MEL30010BBLLMM. Skin lightening additive means a component suitable to result in physical, but especially biological whitening (i.e., a reduction in melanin production) whereby the skin lightening additive can comprise, consist essentially of or consist of the skin lightening additive. MelanoDerm means the product having normal, human-derived epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes which have been cultured to form a multilayered, highly differentiated model of the human epidermis, all of which is made commercially available by MatTek Corporation. Unsaturated, as used herein, means having at least one bond that is not sp³ hybridized. Comprising, as used herein, is meant to include consisting essentially of and consisting of.

[0013] The cosmetic composition of the present invention can be in the form of a liquid, lotion, cream, serum, gel, soap bar or toner, or applied via a face mask or patch. The composition of this invention is one that at the very least, lightens skin when skin is meant to include skin on the face, neck, chest, back, arms, hands, legs and scalp. All ranges identified herein are meant to implicitly include all ranges subsumed therein, if, for example, reference to the same is not explicitly made.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The cosmetic composition of the present invention comprises:

a. a skin lightening additive which is 12-hydroxystearic acid and/or a salt thereof;

b. a cosmetic carrier; and

c. further comprises ricinoleic acid

[0015] It is within the scope of the present invention to include any salt of the acid, and especially, Mg, Na and/or Ca salts thereof. Such compounds are commercially available from suppliers like Vertellus Specialties, Inc., Welch, Home & Clark Co., Inc., as well as Croda Chemicals.

[0016] The compositions can comprise a skin lightening additive which is an aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of lesquerolic acid; ricinelaidic acid; ambrettolic acid; beta-dimorphecolic acid; densipolic acid; 8-methoxy-13-hydroxy-9, 11-octadecadienoic acid; 7-oxo-octadecanoic acid; 9-oxo-octadecanoic acid; 12-oxo-octadecanoic acid; 10-oxo-14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid; and a mixture thereof.

[0017] The cosmetic compositions of the present invention typically comprise from about 0.001 to about 15% by weight, and preferably, from about 0.1 to about 12%, and most preferably, from about 1 to about 10% by weight skin lightening additive, based on total weight of the cosmetic composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0018] While it is within the scope of this invention for the skin lightening additive to consist essentially of 12-hydroxystearic acid and/or a salt thereof, in an often desired embodiment, the skin lightening additive of this invention can comprise from about 0.2 to about 95%, and preferably, from about 10 to about 85%, and most preferably, from about 30 to about 65% by weight saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid, or a mixture thereof, based on total weight of skin lightening additive and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0019] In yet another desired embodiment, the cosmetic composition of this invention can comprise from about 2 to about 9%, and preferably, from about 3 to 8%, and most preferably, from about 3 to about 6% by weight saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid, or a mixture thereof, based on total weight of the cosmetic composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0020] When used in combination, the weight ratio of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid to saturated aliphatic acid is from about 5:95 to about 95:5, and preferably, from about 20:80 to about 80:20, and most preferably, from about 40:60 to about 60:40, including all ratios subsumed therein.

[0021] It should be known that commercially acceptable and conventional vehicles may be used, acting as diluents, dispersants and/or carriers for the skin lightening agents and additives described herein and for any other optional but often preferred additives. Therefore, the cosmetically acceptable vehicle suitable for use in this invention may be aqueous-based, anhydrous or an emulsion whereby a water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion is generally preferred. If the use of water is desired, water typically makes up the balance of the cosmetic composition, and preferably, makes up from about 5 to about 99%, and most preferably, from about 40 to about 80% by weight of the cosmetic composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0022] In addition to water, organic solvents may be optionally included to act as carriers or to assist carriers within the compositions of the present invention. Illustrative and non-limiting examples of the types of organic solvents suitable for use in the present invention include alkanols like ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, mixtures thereof or the like.

[0023] Other optional additives suitable for use include ester oils like isopropyl myristate, cetyl myristate, 2-octyldodecyl myristate, avocado oil, almond oil, olive oil, neopentylglycol dicaprate, mixtures thereof or the like. Typically, such ester oils assist in emulsifying the cosmetic composition of this invention, and an effective amount is often used to yield a stable, and most preferably, water-in-oil emulsion.

[0024] Emollients may also be used, if desired, as carriers within the cosmetic composition of the present invention. Alcohols like 1-hexadecanol (i.e., cetyl alcohol) and phenoxyethanol are often desired as are the emollients generally classified as silicone oils and synthetic esters. Silicone oils suitable for use include cyclic or linear polydimethylsiloxanes containing from 3 to 9, preferably from 4 to 5, silicon atoms. Nonvolatile silicone oils useful as an emollient material in the inventive cosmetic composition described herein include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes and polyether siloxane copolymers. The essentially non-volatile polyalkyl siloxanes useful herein include, for example, polydimethylsiloxanes.

[0025] The ester emollients that may optionally be used are:

(1) Alkenyl or alkyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include isoarachidyl neopentanoate, isononyl isonanonoate, oleyl myristate, oleyl stearate, and oleyl oleate.

(2) Ether-esters such as fatty acid esters of ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

(3) Polyhydric alcohol esters. Ethylene glycol mono and di-fatty acid esters, diethylene glycol mono-and di-fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol (200-6000) mono- and di-fatty acid esters, propylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polypropylene glycol 2000 monooleate, polypropylene glycol 2000 monostearate, ethoxylated propylene glycol monostearate, glyceryl mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyglycerol poly-fatty esters, ethoxylated glyceryl mono-stearate, 1,3-butylene glycol monostearate, 1,3-butylene glycol distearate, polyoxyethylene polyol fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are satisfactory polyhydric alcohol esters.

(4) Wax esters such as beeswax, spermaceti, stearyl stearate and arachidyl behenate.

(5) Sterols esters, of which cholesterol fatty acid esters are examples.

[0026] Emollients when used, typically make up from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight of the cosmetic composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0027] Fatty acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms may also be included as cosmetically acceptable carriers within the composition of the present invention. Illustrative examples of such fatty acids include pelargonic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, isostearic, oleic, linoleic, arachidic, behenic or erucic acid, and mixtures thereof. Compounds that are believed to enhance skin penetration, like dimethyl sulfoxide, may also be used as an optional carrier.

[0028] Humectants of the polyhydric alcohol type may also be employed in the cosmetic compositions of this invention. The humectant often aids in increasing the effectiveness of the emollient, reduces scaling, stimulates removal of built-up scale and improves skin feel. Typical polyhydric alcohols include glycerol, polyalkylene glycols and more preferably alkylene polyols and their derivatives, including propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof, sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, hexylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, ethoxylated glycerol, propoxylated glycerol and mixtures thereof. For best results the humectant is preferably propylene glycol or sodium hyaluronate. The amount of humectant may range anywhere from 0.2 to 25%, and preferably, from about 0.5 to about 15% by weight of the cosmetic composition, based on total weight of the cosmetic composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0029] Thickeners may also be utilized as part of the cosmetically acceptable carrier in the cosmetic compositions of the present invention. Typical thickeners include cross-linked acrylates (e.g. Carbopol 982), hydrophobically-modified acrylates (e.g. Carbopol 1382), cellulosic derivatives and natural gums. Among useful cellulosic derivatives are sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and hydroxymethyl cellulose. Natural gums suitable for the present invention include guar, xanthan, sclerotium, carrageenan, pectin and combinations of these gums. Amounts of the thickener may range from 0.0 to 5%, usually from 0.001 to 1%, optimally from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight.

[0030] Collectively, the water, solvents, silicones, esters, fatty acids, humectants and/or thickeners will constitute the cosmetically acceptable carrier in amounts from 1 to 99.9%, preferably from 80 to 99% by weight.

[0031] Surfactants may also be present in cosmetic compositions of the present invention. Total concentration of the surfactant will range from about 0 to about 40%, and preferably, from about 0 to about 20%, optimally from about 0 to about 5% by weight of the composition. The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric actives. Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are those with a C₁₀-C₂₀ fatty alcohol or acid hydrophobe condensed with from 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe; C₂-C₁₀ alkyl phenols condensed with from 2 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide; mono- and di- fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol; fatty acid monoglyceride; sorbitan, mono- and di- C₈-C₂₀ fatty acids; block copolymers (ethylene oxide/propylene oxide); and polyoxyethylene sorbitan as well as combinations thereof. Alkyl polyglycosides and saccharide fatty amides (e.g. methyl gluconamides) are also suitable nonionic surfactants.

[0032] Preferred anionic surfactants include soap, alkyl ether sulfate and sulfonates, alkyl sulfates and sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, C₈-C₂₀ acyl isothionates, acyl glutamates, C₈-C₂₀ alkyl ether phosphates and combinations thereof.

[0033] Perfumes may be used in the cosmetic composition of this invention. Illustrative non-limiting examples of the types of perfumes that may be used include those comprising terpenes and terpene derivatives like those described in Bauer, K., et al., Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials, VCH Publishers (1990).

[0034] Illustrative yet non-limiting examples of the types of fragrances that may be used in this invention include myrcene, dihydromyrenol, citral, tagetone, cis-geranic acid, citronellic acid, or cis-geranic acid nitrile, mixtures thereof or the like.

[0035] Preferably, the amount of fragrance employed in the cosmetic composition of this invention is in the range from about 0.0% to about 10%, more preferably, about 0.00001% to about 5 wt %, most preferably, about 0.0001% to about 2%.

[0036] Various types of optional additional active ingredients may be used in the cosmetic compositions of the present invention. Actives are defined as skin benefit agents other than emollients and other than ingredients that merely improve the physical characteristics of the composition. Although not limited to this category, general examples include talcs and silicas, as well as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, peroxides, zinc salts, and sunscreens.

[0037] Beta-hydroxy acids include salicylic acid, for example. Zinc pyrithione is an example of the zinc salts useful in the cosmetic composition of the present invention.

[0038] Sunscreens include those materials commonly employed to block ultraviolet light. Illustrative compounds are the derivatives of PABA, cinnamate and salicylate. For example, avobenzophenone (Parsol 1789®) octyl methoxycinnamate and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyl benzophenone (also known as oxybenzone) can be used. Octyl methoxycinnamate and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone are commercially available under the trademarks, Parsol MCX and Benzophenone-e, respectively. The exact amount of sunscreen employed in the compositions can vary depending upon the degree of protection desired from the sun's UV radiation. Additives that reflect or scatter the suns rays may also be employed. These additives include oxides like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

[0039] Many cosmetic compositions, especially those containing water, should be protected against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Anti-microbial compounds, such as triclosan, and preservatives are, therefore, typically necessary. Suitable preservatives include alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred preservatives of this invention are methyl paraben, propyl paraben, phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol. Preservatives will usually be employed in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0040] The cosmetic compositions of the present invention may further comprise other ingredients that may be used with the cosmetic composition of this invention selected from dioic acids (e.g., malonic acid, sebacic acid), antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamins, like niacinamide and vitamin C and its derivatives, recorcinols and its derivatives (including those esterified with, for example, ferulic acid, vanillic acid or the like) and retinoids, including retinoic acid, retinal, retinol and retinyl esters, conjugated linoleic acid, petroselinic acid and mixtures thereof. Still other optional ingredients that may be used include any other conventional ingredients well known for wrinkle-reducing, skin whitening, anti-acne effects and reducing the impact of sebum.

[0041] The cosmetic compositions of the present invention are intended for use primarily as a product for topical application to human skin, especially and at least as a product for lightening the skin. Thus, the inventor has discovered that the described aliphatic acids have excellent skin lightening capabilities whereby the same may be employed as skin lightening additives in topical cosmetic compositions that are applied topically to areas of the skin where lightening or whitening is desired. Other benefits may include skin moisturizing, decreasing the effect of sebum on the skin and skin wrinkle reducing. Often, the cosmetic composition of the present invention has a melting point from about 30°C to about 45°C, including all ranges subsumed therein. In an especially preferred embodiment, the cosmetic composition of the present invention has a pH from about 4.5 to about 7.5, including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0042] When making the cosmetic composition of the present invention, the desired ingredients are mixed in no particular order and usually at temperatures from about 70 to about 80°C and under atmospheric pressure.

[0043] The packaging for the composition of this invention can be a patch, bottle, tube, roll-ball applicator, propellant driven aerosol device, squeeze container or lidded jar.

[0044] The examples which follow are provided to illustrate and facilitate an understanding of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Examples

[0045] Commercially available human skin equivalents (MelanoDerm™ from MatTek) were obtained for testing the impact of heterosubstituted, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid on melanogenesis. Solutions having a final concentration of 0.1 to 5 micromolar were prepared from a 10 millimolar dimethyl sulfoxide stock solution and dosed ten (10) times in a three (3) week period into the media of the MelanoDerm cultures. The media consisted of commercially available basal Dulbecco's Modified Eagles media, prepared and treated in the manner set forth in the manufacturer's instructions. For long term maintenance of the MelanoDerms, the basal media was supplemented with bFGF and alpha MSH to stimulate melanocyte growth and melanogenesis. Each treatment condition was done in duplicate and three (3) sets were made for each treatment, as well as for a control (culture not treated with the aliphatic acid). The cultures were maintained at a temperature of about 37°C and incubated in a humidified, 5% CO₂ incubator during the dosing period, but removed while being dosed.

[0046] After a three (3) week period, the MelanoDerm cultures were removed and solubilized in a centrifuge tube containing 250 microliters of Solvable reagent (GNE9100, Packard) for sixteen (16) hours (overnight) in a 60°C oven. Following solubilization, the centrifuge tube containing the sample was spun at 12,000 g for five (5) minutes. Two hundred (200) microliters of supernatant were removed and placed in a ninety-six (96) well plate. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the absorbance of the supernatant at 490 nm. A standard curve using synthetic melanin was set up in parallel to allow quantitation of melanin, in micrograms, of the samples. The results are provided below:

Tables

Active	MC* Value Range	Average MC	ΔMC
Control	76.0 - 78.4	77.2	---
Aliphatic acidi	67.9 - 69.2	68.6	8.6

Active	MC Value Range	Average MC	ΔMC
Control	76.0 - 78.4	77.2	---
Aliphatic acidii	69.9 - 67.6	68.8	8.4

i = ricinoleic acid (0.1uM) ii = 12-hydroxystearic acid (5uM) * MC = melanin content

[0047] The results, as they relate to MelanoDerm cultures, show that cosmetic compositions with the aliphatic acids of this invention unexpectedly result in skin lightening.

Claims

1. A cosmetic composition comprising:

a. a skin lightening additive which is 12-hydroxystearic acid and/or a salt thereof;

b. a cosmetic carrier; and

further comprising ricinoleic acid.

2. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises other ingredients that may be used with the cosmetic composition selected from dioic acids, antioxidants, vitamins, resorcinols and retinoids, conjugated linoleic acid, petroselinic acid and mixtures thereof.

3. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the composition comprises conjugated linoleic acid, petroselinic acid or both.

4. A cosmetic composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises antioxidant.

5. A cosmetic composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition further comprises a vitamin.

6. A composition according to claim 5, wherein the vitamin is niacinamide.

7. A cosmetic composition according to anyone of the preceding claims additionally comprising a skin lightening additive which is an aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of lesquerolic acid; ricinelaidic acid; ambrettolic acid; beta-dimorphecolic acid; densipolic acid; 8-methoxy-13-hydroxy-9, 11-octadecadienoic acid; 7-oxo-octadecanoic acid; 9-oxo-octadecanoic acid; 12-oxo-octadecanoic acid; 10-oxo-14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid; and a mixture thereof.

8. A cosmetic composition according to claim 7 wherein the aliphatic acid is 12-oxo-octadecanoic acid.

9. A cosmetic composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 12-hydroxystearic acid and/or a salt thereof and the aliphatic acid comprises 2-9, preferably 3-8, most preferably 3-6% by weight of the composition.

10. A cosmetic composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition additionally comprises a skin lightening additive which is an ester of 12-hydroxystearic acid.

11. A cosmetic composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cosmetic composition further comprises an alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy acid, sunscreen or a mixture thereof.

12. A method for lightening skin color comprising the step of contacting skin with a composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

Ansprüche

1. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung, umfassend:

a. ein Additiv zur Hautaufhellung, welches eine 12-Hydroxystearinsäure und/oder ein Salz davon ist;

b. einen kosmetischen Träger; und

ferner umfassend Ricinolsäure.

2. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Zusammensetzung ferner andere Bestandteile umfasst, die mit der kosmetischen Zusammensetzung verwendet werden können, die unter Dicarbonsäuren, Antioxidantien, Vitaminen, Resorcinen und Retinoiden, konjugierter Linolsäure, Petroselinsäure und Mischungen davon ausgewählt sind.

3. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Zusammensetzung konjugierte Linolsäure, Petroselinsäure oder beides umfasst.

4. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Zusammensetzung ein Antioxidans umfasst.

5. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Zusammensetzung ferner ein Vitamin umfasst.

6. Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Vitamin Niacinamid ist.

7. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, zusätzlich umfassend ein Additiv zum Hautaufhellen, welches eine aliphatische Säure ist, die aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Lesquerolsäure; Ricinelaidinsäure; Ambrettolsäure; Beta-Dimorphecolsäure; Densipolsäure; 8-Methoxy-13-hydroxy-9-, 11-octadecandiensäure; 7-Oxo-octadecansäure; 9-Oxo-octadecansäure; 12-Oxo-octadecansäure; 10-Oxo-14-methyl-pentadecansäure und eine Mischung davon, ausgewählt ist.

8. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 7, wobei die aliphatische Säure 12-Oxo-octadecansäure ist.

9. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die 12-Hydroxystearinsäure und/oder ein Salz davon und die aliphatische Säure 2-9, vorzugsweise 3-8, höchst bevorzugt 3-6 Gewichts-% der Zusammensetzung umfassen.

10. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Zusammensetzung zusätzlich ein Additiv zur Hautaufhellung umfasst, welches ein Ester von 12-Hydroxystearinsäure ist.

11. Kosmetische Zusammensetzung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die kosmetische Zusammensetzung ferner eine Alpha-Hydroxy-, Beta-Hydroxysäure, Sonnenschutzmittel oder eine Mischung davon umfasst.

12. Verfahren zum Aufhellen der Hautfarbe, umfassend den Schritt des Inkontaktbringens der Haut mit einer Zusammensetzung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche.

Revendications

1. Composition cosmétique comprenant :

a. un additif éclaircissant la peau qui est l'acide 12-hydroxystéarique et/ou un sel de celui-ci

b. un véhicule cosmétique ; et

comprenant en outre de l'acide ricinoléique.

2. Composition cosmétique selon la revendication 1, laquelle composition comprend en outre d'autres ingrédients qui peuvent être utilisés avec la composition cosmétique, choisis parmi les acides dioïques, les antioxydants, les vitamines, les résorcinols et les rétinoïdes, un acide linoléique conjugué, l'acide pétrosélinique, et leurs mélanges.

3. Composition cosmétique selon la revendication 1 ou 2, laquelle composition comprend un acide linoléique conjugué, de l'acide pétrosélinique, ou les deux.

4. Composition cosmétique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, laquelle composition comprend un antioxydant.

5. Composition cosmétique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, laquelle composition comprend en outre une vitamine.

6. Composition selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle la vitamine est le niacinamide.

7. Composition cosmétique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant de plus un additif éclaircissant la peau qui est un acide aliphatique choisi dans le groupe constitué par l'acide lesquérolique ; l'acide ricinélaïdique ; l'acide ambrettolique ; l'acide bêta-dimorphécolique ; l'acide densipolique ; l'acide 8-méthoxy-13-hydroxy-9,11-octadécadiénoïque ; l'acide 7-oxo-octadécanoïque ; l'acide 9-oxo-octadécanoïque ; l'acide 12-oxo-octadécanoïque ; l'acide 10-oxo-14-méthyl-pentadécanoïque ; et leurs mélanges.

8. Composition cosmétique selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle l'acide aliphatique est l'acide 12-oxo-octadécanoïque.

9. Composition cosmétique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'acide 12-hydroxystéarique et/ou un sel de celui-ci et l'acide aliphatique représentent 2 à 9, de préférence 3 à 8, tout spécialement 3 à 6 % en poids de la composition.

10. Composition cosmétique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, laquelle composition comprend de plus un additif éclaircissant la peau qui est un ester d'acide 12-hydroxystéarique.

11. Composition cosmétique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, laquelle composition comprend en outre un alpha-hydroxyacide, un bêta-hydroxyacide, un écran solaire ou un mélange de ceux-ci.

12. Procédé pour éclaircir la couleur de la peau, comprenant l'étape de mise en contact de la peau avec une composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.